Phone grip attachment

ABSTRACT

A phone grip attachment includes a base configured for attachment to a phone and a finger-hold attached to the base. The finger-hold has a top member and a bottom member. The finger-hold is movable between an extended position in which an opening is defined between the top member and the bottom member for use in gripping the phone and a collapsed position in which the top member is substantially flat against the bottom member. The finger-hold can be biased to the extended position. The finger-hold can be rotatably attached to the base.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to phone attachments, and moreparticularly to apparatuses and methods related to phone gripattachments having a finger-hold.

BACKGROUND

Mobile phones and handheld devices are in widespread use. The devicesare often expensive, leading users to purchase protective phone cases orgrips to prevent damage to the phones due to dropping. It can bedifficult for users to maintain their grip on the phone duringactivities such as texting, browsing, and taking pictures or selfies.Furthermore, phones and the phone screens can be utilized in differentorientations, depending on the desired use and the preferences of theuser.

SUMMARY

Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision ofa phone grip attachment having a finger-hold as substantially shown anddescribed.

Briefly, therefore, one aspect of the disclosure is directed to a phonegrip attachment comprising a base configured for attachment to a phone.A finger-hold is attached to the base. The finger-hold has a top memberand a bottom member, and is movable between an extended position inwhich an opening is defined between the top member and the bottom memberfor use in gripping the phone and a collapsed position in which the topmember is substantially flat against the bottom member, in which the topmember is substantially flat against the bottom member.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a phone grip attachmentcomprising a base configured for attachment to a phone. The baseincludes a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one lockingportion. The bottom surface includes a recessed portion. The at leastone locking portion comprises an overhang defining a gap between thelocking portion and the top surface of the base. Adhesive is positionedin the recessed portion of the bottom surface for securing the base to aphone. A finger-hold is attached to the base, the finger-hold having atop member and a bottom member. The finger-hold is movable between anextended position in which an opening is defined between the top memberand the bottom member for use in gripping the phone and a collapsedposition in which the top member is substantially flat against thebottom member. The finger-hold is biased to the extended position. Thelocking portion is configured to engage the finger-hold to retain thefinger-hold in the collapsed position.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method comprisingproviding a phone grip attachment including a base configured forattachment to a phone. The base includes a top surface, a bottomsurface, and at least one locking portion. The bottom surface includes arecessed portion, and the at least one locking portion comprises anoverhang defining a gap between the locking portion and the top surfaceof the base. Adhesive is positioned in the recessed portion of thebottom surface for securing the base to a phone. A finger-hold isattached to the base, the finger-hold having a top member and a bottommember. The finger-hold is movable between an extended position in whichan opening is defined between the top member and the bottom member foruse in gripping the phone and a collapsed position in which the topmember is substantially flat against the bottom member. The finger-holdis biased to the extended position. The locking portion is configured toengage the finger-hold to retain the finger-hold in the collapsedposition. The method includes securing the phone grip attachment to aphone using the adhesive. The method further includes and collapsing thefinger-hold from the extended position to the collapsed position bypressing the top member substantially flat against the bottom member androtating the finger-hold until at least one tab of the finger-hold ispositioned in the gap defined by the overhang.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointedout hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the disclosure willbecome more fully apparent from the following detailed description,appended claims, and accompanying drawings, wherein the drawingsillustrate features in accordance with exemplary aspects of thedisclosure, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a phone grip attachment secured to aphone, illustrating a user's hand using the finger-hold;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the phone grip attachment illustrating afinger-hold in a first extended position;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the phone grip attachmentillustrating the finger-hold in the first extended position;

FIG. 4 is a separated view of the finger-hold;

FIG. 5 is a top plan of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 2,illustrating the finger-hold in the first extended position;

FIG. 6 is a top plan of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 2,illustrating the finger-hold in a second extended position rotated fromthe first extended position illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top plan of the phone grip attachment secured to a phone ina second orientation, illustrating the finger-hold in a third extendedposition rotated from both the first and second extended positions;

FIG. 8 is a perspective of the phone grip attachment, illustrating thefinger-hold in a collapsed position and showing movement of thecollapsed finger-hold to the locked position;

FIG. 9 is a section of the phone grip attachment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a top plan of a second embodiment of a phone grip attachment,illustrating the finger-hold in a collapsed position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view thereof, illustrating a finger-hold in anextended position;

FIG. 12 is a top plan of a third embodiment of a phone grip attachment,illustrating the finger-hold in a collapsed position;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view thereof, illustrating a finger-hold in anextended position;

FIG. 14 is a top plan of a fourth embodiment of a phone grip attachment,illustrating the finger-hold in a collapsed position;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view thereof, illustrating a finger-hold in anextended position;

FIG. 16 is a top plan of a fifth embodiment of a phone grip attachment,illustrating the finger-hold in a collapsed position; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view thereof, illustrating a finger-hold in anextended position.

Like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The accompanying Figures and this description depict and describeaspects of apparatuses and methods in accordance with the presentdisclosure, and features and components thereof. It should also be notedthat any references herein to front and back, right and left, top andbottom and upper and lower and the like are intended for convenience ofdescription, not to limit the present invention or its components to anyone positional or spatial orientation.

Before any aspects of the disclosure are explained in detail, it will beunderstood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to thedetails of construction and the arrangement of components set forth inthe following description or illustrated in the following drawings. Thedisclosure is capable of other aspects and of being practiced or ofbeing carried out in various ways. Also, it will be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. All numbers expressing measurements and soforth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as beingmodified in all instances by the term “about.”

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, a phone grip (broadly, an attachment) is showngenerally at 10. The attachment 10 includes a base 12 having an upper ortop surface 14 and a lower or bottom surface 16 opposite the topsurface. The base 12 includes at least one locking portion 18, asdescribed in further detail below. The attachment 10 is generallyrectangular, although other configurations are within the scope of thepresent invention. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 7, the attachment 10 isconfigured, sized, and dimensioned for attachment to the back of a phoneor handheld device P (e.g., phones and handheld devices sold by Apple,Inc., Samsung Group and Samsung Electronics, Google LLC, etc.) in orderto assist a user in maintaining the user's grip on the phone or handhelddevice P. As such, the attachment 10 can be positioned on the back ofthe phone or handheld device P in any orientation so as to avoidinterfering with any components of the phone (e.g., camera opening,speaker opening, volume button openings or demarcations, etc.). Theattachment can also be sized to permit attachment to different handhelddevices. In one embodiment, the attachment 10 is so sized, configured,and dimensioned to enable attachment to any handheld device withoutinterfering with functional components of the handheld device. Theattachment 10 can be made of any suitable plastic, rubber, metal, or anyother material suitable for use in gripping a phone. The attachment 10may be molded or formed as one piece, or may be constructed of separatecomponents that are attached together.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, in one embodiment the bottom surface 16 ofthe attachment 10 includes a recessed portion 20. The recessed portion20 is recessed from the outer perimeter of the bottom surface 16. In oneembodiment, the recessed portion 20 can be a portion of the attachmentthat is cut away or molded to be recessed. Alternatively, the recessedportion 20 can comprise a separate insert that is positioned inside awall or perimeter 22 of the attachment 10. Other configurations of therecessed portion are within the scope of the present invention. As seenin FIGS. 3 and 9, the recessed portion 20 is configured to receiveadhesive for attaching the phone grip 10 to a phone P. In theillustrated embodiment, adhesive 24 comprises foam tape (e.g.double-sided foam tape), although other attachment structures are withinthe scope of the present invention. The foam tape 24 is configured tosecure the attachment 10 to a handheld device P. As illustrated, thetape 24 can be configured, sized, and dimensioned to fit within therecessed portion 20 on the bottom surface 16 of the attachment 10, andcan include geometrically corresponding features to the bottom surface(e.g., cutouts at either end and in the center).

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the base includes at least one locking portion18. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the base 12 includes twolocking portions 18. The locking portions 18 are at diagonally opposedpositions of the base 12. Other configurations (e.g., centered lockingportion(s) (see, e.g., FIGS. 14 and 15), fewer than two lockingportions, more than two locking portions) are within the scope of thepresent invention. Each locking portion 18 includes an overhang or ledge26 positioned above the remainder of the base 12. In the illustratedembodiment, the base 12 includes cutouts below each overhang 26 (e.g.,for ease of manufacturing), although these can be omitted within thescope of the present invention. Each overhang 26 is positioned above thetop surface 14 of the base 12 so as to define a gap 28 having a heighth. The locking portions 18 are sized, positioned, and configured toreceive and engage a finger-hold of the attachment 10, as described inmore detail below.

Referring still to FIGS. 1-9, the attachment 10 includes a finger-hold30 positioned on the base 12 of the attachment. The finger-hold 30 ismovable between a collapsed position (see, e.g., FIG. 8) and an extendedposition (see, e.g., FIG. 2). In the extended position, the finger-hold30 can be grasped by a user for secure gripping of the attachment 10(and the phone secured thereto), as described in more detail below.

Referring to FIG. 4, the finger-hold 30 includes a bottom member 32 anda top member 34. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the top andbottom members 34, 32 are generally curved when the finger-hold 30 is inthe extended position. Other configurations are within the scope of thepresent invention, such as planar, angled, or multi-component top andbottom members. The bottom and top members 32, 34 are movably (e.g.,pivotally) attached to each other. As illustrated, in one embodiment thetop and bottom members 34, 32 are pivotally attached by pins 36. The topmember 34 includes a spaced pair of ears 38 at each end thereof, each ofthe ears including an opening 40. The bottom member 32 includes a neck42 near each end, separating a central portion 44 of the bottom memberfrom tabs 46 at each end of the bottom member. Each of the tabs 46 canoptionally include a contoured edge or stop 54 corresponding to theshape of a free edge of the locking portion 18. The necks 42 of thebottom member 32 each include an opening 48. When the finger-hold 30 isassembled such that the top and bottom members 34, 32 are pivotallyattached, the neck 42 on a first end of the bottom member 32 ispositioned between the pair of ears 38 on a first end of the top member32, and the neck 42 on a second end of the bottom member is positionedbetween the pair of ears 38 on a second end of the top member. The topmember 34 is pivotally attached to each end of the bottom member 32 by apin 36 extending through the neck 42 of the bottom member and the pairof ears 38 of the top member at each respective end. Otherconfigurations are within the scope of the present invention. Forexample, the top member can include necks that are positioned betweenpairs of ears on the bottom member. In other embodiments, any suitablepivot attachment between members can be used.

The finger-hold 30 is movably attached to the base 12. In theillustrated embodiment, the finger-hold 30 is attached to the base 12 soas to permit free rotational movement in either direction (i.e.,counterclockwise and clockwise). In an illustrated embodiment, thefinger-hold is attached to the base 12 of the attachment 10. Forexample, as illustrated, fastener 50 attaches the base 12 to the bottommember 32 of the finger-hold 30. Fastener 50 can be any suitablefastener configured to permit free rotation of the finger-hold 30relative to the base 12. In one embodiment, fastener 50 comprises arivet. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the fastener 50 does notextend completely through the bottom member 32 of the finger-hold 30; inother words, in one embodiment the fastener is not visible and a userdoes not contact the fastener 50 when using the finger-hold 30.Optionally, a retaining ring 52 may be positioned on fastener 50 againstthe lower surface 16 of the attachment 10. In one embodiment, the bottomsurface 16 includes a central portion that is not recessed (e.g., isco-planar with the perimeter of the bottom surface) and extends beyondthe fastener 50 to prevent the fastener from contacting the back of aphone P secured to the attachment 10. It is understood that anyattachment permitting rotation of the finger-hold 30 relative to thebase 12 is within the scope of the present invention. Although freerotation of the finger-hold when it is in the extended position is shownand described, other configurations are within the scope of the presentinvention, such as a limited arc of movement for the finger-hold, orother suitable attachments.

The finger-hold 30 is movable between an extended position and acollapsed position. In the extended position (see, e.g., FIG. 2), anopening 60 is defined between the bottom member 32 and the top member 34of the finger-hold 30. In the collapsed configuration (see, e.g., FIG.4), the top member 34 lies substantially flat against the bottom member32. Thus, in the extended position, the finger-hold is configured to begrasped by a user to securely hold the attachment and phone. Forexample, as seen in FIG. 1, a user may insert one or more fingersthrough the opening 60 to securely attach the phone to the user's handH. A user may also rest one or more fingers on one or both of the tabs46 of the bottom member 32, to provide a secure and comfortable hold. Asdescribed above, the finger-hold can be attached to the base 12 topermit free rotation relative thereto. Thus, a user can position thefinger-hold 30 in any desired orientation relative to base 12 (andtherefore relative to the phone P) for secure holding based on comfort,orientation of phone screen during use, or any other factor. Use of thefinger-hold 30 permits secure holding of the phone while leaving theuser's thumb free for use of the phone. In the collapsed position, thefinger-hold is configured to lie substantially flat against the base 12,so as to be out of the way of the user or to reduce the footprint of theattachment (and therefore of the assembly including the phone) forstorage (e.g., carrying in a pocket, placing on a surface, etc.).

The finger-hold 30 is preferably biased to the extended position. Thus,absent external forces acting on the finger-hold 30, the finger-hold isin the extended position for grasping by a user. The finger-hold mayinclude spring steel, shape memory alloy, or any other suitable materialor configuration to permit biasing to the extended position (see, e.g.,FIG. 9). In order to overcome the bias and collapse the finger-hold, thelocking portion 18 engages the finger-hold. For example, the finger-holdis rotated such that a portion of the finger-hold is positionedunderneath the overhang 26. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-9,the tabs 46 of the bottom portion 32 are rotated to a positionunderneath the overhangs 26 (i.e., in the gaps 28), although otherconfigurations are within the scope of the present invention (e.g., adifferent portion of the finger-hold being positioned under the overhangto retain the finger-hold in the collapsed position). Each tab 46 isthus positioned between the base 12 and the respective overhang 26. Eachtab 46 may contact an underside of the respective overhang 26. Theoverhang thereby prevents the finger-hold 30 from returning to theextended position, and maintains the finger-hold in the collapsedposition. In order to move the finger-hold to the collapsed position, inone embodiment the finger-hold can be pressed down (e.g., by pressingdown on the top member 34 to flatten the finger-hold). Once thefinger-hold 30 is sufficiently flattened to fit underneath the overhangs26 (see, e.g., position of finger-hold 30 a in FIG. 8), the finger-holdis rotated (e.g., in direction of arrow A in FIG. 8) to move the tabs 46under the respective overhangs 26. The overhangs 26 thereby contact thetabs 46 to prevent the finger-hold from returning to the extendedposition, maintaining the finger-hold in the collapsed position. In theillustrated embodiment, each tab includes a contoured edge or stop 54.As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, the stop 54 comprises an edge between anupper portion 56 and a lower portion 58 of the tab 46 (alternatively, afirst or lower portion 58 having a first thickness and a second or upperportion 56 having a second thickness greater than the first thickness).When the finger-hold 30 is rotated to the locked position, the lowerportion 58 is positioned in the gap 28 beneath the overhang 26. Theupper portion 56 is positioned adjacent the locking portion 18, andpreferably has a top surface coplanar with a top surface of the lockingportion. The stop or contoured edge 54 engages a free edge 66 of thelocking portion 18 to prevent further movement of the finger-hold 30(i.e., to prevent further movement of the tab 46 under the overhang 26).It is understood that the stop may be omitted or the tabs 46 have onlyone thickness within the scope of the present invention. In order tomove the finger-hold 30 from the collapsed position back to the extendedposition, the finger-hold is rotated to remove the tabs 46 from underthe overhangs 26. With nothing to counteract the bias and force thefinger-hold to remain collapsed, the finger-hold will return to theextended position.

As illustrated, the attachment 10 may optionally include additionalfeatures to facilitate easy use and gripping by a user. For example, oneor both of the top and bottom members 34, 32 of the finger-hold caninclude ribbed gripping surfaces (see, e.g., FIG. 10). The finger-hold30 can be coated in rubber or other plastic material for easy gripping.It is understood that other ribbed portions or designs, and othergripping surfaces, are within the scope of the present invention, andthat the attachment need not include any additional features tofacilitate easy gripping (see, e.g., FIG. 2, with no ribbed surfaces).

FIGS. 10-17 illustrate alternative configurations for the attachment 10.Unless otherwise stated, the description above with reference to FIGS.1-9 (and corresponding reference numerals) applies, except wheredifferences are indicated.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, the base 112 of attachment 110 includes tab ortab-receiving portions 162. The tab portions 162 have sufficient lengthand dimensions to receive the tabs 146 of the finger-hold 130 when thefinger-hold is in the collapsed (or flattened) position. To collapse thefinger-hold, the finger-hold 130 is pressed down to flatten it when thetabs 146 are aligned with the tab portions 162 of the base 112. Once thefinger-hold 130 is sufficiently flattened to fit underneath theoverhangs of the locking portion 118, the finger-hold is rotated to movethe tabs 146 under the respective overhangs, as described above.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, the base 212 of the attachment 210is generally square and is configured and dimensioned such that acentral portion of the finger-hold 230 is engaged by the at least onelocking portion 218 to retain the finger-hold in the collapsed position.In FIGS. 14 and 15, the at least one locking portion 318 is centrallypositioned on the base 312 of the attachment 310. In FIGS. 16 and 17,the base 412 of the attachment 410 is generally round and is configuredand dimensioned such that a central portion of the finger-hold 430 isengaged by the at least one locking portion 318. As illustrated in thedescribed embodiments, various configurations are within the scope ofthe present invention, such as different shapes for the base and/or thefinger-hold. Other configurations and embodiments are within the scopeof the present invention.

The phone grip attachment as shown and described permits a user tosecurely attach a phone to the user's hand. Furthermore, the attachmentallows a user to orient the phone and the finger-hold in any orientationfor comfort and ease of use, while maintaining the thumbs free for useof the phone. Thus, for example, a user can use the finger-hold tosecure the phone while taking a selfie, without worrying about droppingthe phone. Moreover, the finger-hold collapses substantially flatagainst the base of the attachment for convenience and a small footprintwhen the finger-hold is not in use.

It will be understood that various features of the aspects of theapparatus and methods described herein may be used in combination with,or instead of, particular features of another aspect. Having providedthe disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications andvariations are possible without departing the scope of the disclosuredefined in the appended claims. Furthermore, it should be appreciatedthat all examples in the present disclosure are provided as non-limitingexamples.

What is claimed is:
 1. A phone grip attachment comprising: a baseconfigured for attachment to a phone; and a finger-hold attached to thebase, the finger-hold having a top member and a bottom member, thefinger-hold being movable between an extended position in which anopening is defined between the top member and the bottom member for usein gripping the phone and a collapsed position in which the top memberis substantially flat against the bottom member.
 2. The phone gripattachment as recited in claim 1, wherein the finger-hold is biased tothe extended position.
 3. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim1, wherein the finger-hold is rotatably attached to the base.
 4. Thephone grip attachment as recited in claim 3, wherein the finger-hold isfreely rotatable relative to the base.
 5. The phone grip attachment asrecited in claim 1, wherein the top member of the finger-hold ispivotally attached to the bottom member of the finger-hold.
 6. The phonegrip attachment as recited in claim 1, wherein the bottom memberincludes tabs at each end thereof.
 7. The phone grip attachment asrecited in claim 1, wherein the base includes at least one lockingportion configured to engage a portion of the finger-hold to retain thefinger-hold in the collapsed position.
 8. The phone grip attachment asrecited in claim 7, wherein the at least one locking portion comprisesat least one overhang defining a gap, the gap below the overhang beingconfigured to receive a portion of the finger-hold to retain thefinger-hold in the collapsed position.
 9. The phone grip attachment asrecited in claim 8, wherein the bottom member of the finger-holdincludes at least one tab at an end thereof, the tab being configured tobe received in the gap below the overhang to retain the finger-hold inthe collapsed position.
 10. The phone grip attachment as recited inclaim 9, wherein the tab comprises a lower portion having a firstthickness and an upper portion having a second thickness greater thanthe first thickness, the lower portion configured to be received in thegap and a contoured edge between the upper and lower portions configuredto engage a free edge of the locking portion to prevent additionalrotation of the finger-hold.
 11. The phone grip attachment as recited inclaim 8, wherein a central portion of the finger-hold is configured tobe received in the gap below the overhang to retain the finger-hold inthe collapsed position.
 12. The phone grip attachment as recited inclaim 7, wherein the base includes two locking portions at diagonallyopposite locations on the base.
 13. The phone grip attachment as recitedin claim 1, further comprising foam tape for securing the attachment tothe phone.
 14. A phone grip attachment comprising: a base configured forattachment to a phone, the base including a top surface, a bottomsurface, and at least one locking portion, the bottom surface includinga recessed portion and the at least one locking portion comprising anoverhang defining a gap between the locking portion and the top surfaceof the base; adhesive positioned in the recessed portion of the bottomsurface for securing the base to a phone; a finger-hold attached to thebase, the finger-hold having a top member and a bottom member, thefinger-hold being movable between an extended position in which anopening is defined between the top member and the bottom member for usein gripping the phone and a collapsed position in which the top memberis substantially flat against the bottom member, wherein the finger-holdis biased to the extended position, wherein the locking portion isconfigured to engage the finger-hold to retain the finger-hold in thecollapsed position.
 15. The phone grip attachment as recited in claim14, wherein the finger-hold is rotatably attached to the base such thatthe finger-hold is freely rotatable relative to the base when thefinger-hold is in the extended position.
 16. The phone grip attachmentas recited in claim 14, wherein the top member of the finger-hold ispivotally attached to the bottom member of the finger-hold.
 17. Thephone grip attachment as recited in claim 16, wherein the bottom memberof the finger-hold comprises a central portion, a first tab at a firstend of the bottom member, a first neck between the central portion andthe first tab, a second tab at a second end of the bottom member, and asecond neck between the central portion and the second tab.
 18. Thephone grip attachment as recited in claim 17, wherein the top membercomprises a first pair of ears at a first end thereof and a second pairof ears at a second end thereof, wherein the top member is pivotallyattached to the bottom member by a first pin extending through the firstpair of ears and the first neck and a second pin extending through thesecond pair of ears and the second neck.
 19. A method comprising:providing a phone grip attachment comprising: a base configured forattachment to a phone, the base including a top surface, a bottomsurface, and at least one locking portion, the bottom surface includinga recessed portion and the at least one locking portion comprising anoverhang defining a gap between the locking portion and the top surfaceof the base; adhesive positioned in the recessed portion of the bottomsurface for securing the base to a phone; a finger-hold attached to thebase, the finger-hold having a top member and a bottom member, thefinger-hold being movable between an extended position in which anopening is defined between the top member and the bottom member for usein gripping the phone and a collapsed position in which the top memberis substantially flat against the bottom member, wherein the finger-holdis biased to the extended position, wherein the locking portion isconfigured to engage the finger-hold to retain the finger-hold in thecollapsed position; securing the phone grip attachment to a phone usingthe adhesive; and collapsing the finger-hold from the extended positionto the collapsed position by pressing the top member substantially flatagainst the bottom member and rotating the finger-hold until at leastone tab of the finger-hold is positioned in the gap defined by theoverhang.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising extending thefinger-hold from the collapsed position to the extended position byrotating the finger-hold until the at least one tab of the finger-holdis free from the at least one overhang.